I Never Thought I’d Recommend A Toner, But This One’s Converted Me
I’ll admit it: I haven’t given toner much thought in years. But when ELEMIS announced the launch of its brand new Pro-Collagen Toning Mist – and offered an exclusive sneak peek before it hit shelves today – I couldn’t resist the chance to see if it could change my mind.
In Partnership With Elemis
There’s something exciting about being among the first to try a product before the rest of the beauty world gets their hands on it, and with ELEMIS’s reputation for cult classics, my curiosity was officially piqued. With the mist now available, here’s my first-hand take on the £45 bottle that just might make you rethink everything you thought you knew about toner.
Do I really need a toner?
I’ll be honest: toner and I have history, but not the good kind. Like most teenagers with breakouts, I dutifully swiped on astringent formulas that promised to clear my skin, but nothing ever seemed to make a real difference. After a while, I gave up on toner altogether—and I haven’t really missed it in the 15 years since.
I’ve noticed toner making a comeback in beauty circles (or maybe it never left for the skincare obsessed).
Lately, though, I’ve noticed toner making a comeback in beauty circles (or maybe it never left for the skincare obsessed). So when ELEMIS announced its new Pro-Collagen Toning Mist, my curiosity was piqued. For context, I’m 32 now, my skin still gets the odd breakout, but I’m more concerned with redness and the first signs of fine lines.
What sets this toner apart
What sets this toner apart is its multi-tasking formula. It’s not just about tightening pores or removing leftover makeup. ELEMIS has designed this as a 3-in-1 step: it preps, replenishes, and refines the skin, all while delivering a hit of hydration and supporting the skin’s natural barrier. The brand claims it’s clinically proven to prep, replenish, and refine, helping your skin absorb the rest of your routine more effectively.*
What’s inside the bottle?
Marine Biotech Ferment: Derived from marine microorganisms, this powerhouse supports the skin’s natural barrier, improves pore visibility, regulates sebum, and provides both instant and lasting hydration. It also helps reinforce the skin’s defences and optimises pH for a smoother, more resilient complexion.
Padina Pavonica: A Mediterranean brown algae rich in polysaccharides and glycosaminoglycans, it’s known for its moisture-binding abilities, helping to attract and lock in hydration for long-lasting radiance.
Gluconolactone: A gentle polyhydroxy acid (PHA) that exfoliates without irritation, removing dead skin cells and boosting hydration. It supports skin renewal and helps maintain a healthy acid mantle.
Rose and Mimosa: A calming, aromatic blend that soothes skin and senses. Rose is known to soften and comfort, while mimosa brings an uplifting floral note.
It’s clinically proven to prep, replenish, and refine, helping your skin absorb the rest of your routine more effectively.
First impressions
I’ve used ELEMIS’s Cleansing Balm and Pro-Collagen Marine Cream before and loved both, so my expectations were high. The packaging is sleek, and the 150ml bottle feels generous in hand. Directions say to cleanse, then apply 2-3 pumps to a cotton pad and sweep over the face or just spritz directly. I went for the cotton pad. The solution is clear, and the atomiser delivers a perfect, even mist, and the scent is instantly fresh and luxurious but not overpowering.
Where it fits in your skincare routine
I applied the mist immediately after cleansing, as directed. Usually, after cleansing (especially with summer formulas that target oiliness), my skin can feel tight or dry. This toner, though, left my skin feeling surprisingly soft and hydrated—almost silky.
After just one use, I kept touching my face, surprised at how soft it felt.
It’s quick to apply and feels like a genuinely easy addition, not an extra chore. The scent is one of the best parts – I usually don’t opt for scented products, but with this, it’s a subtle, fresh and clean smell that’s far from overpowering – it’s more refreshing. After just one use, I kept touching my face, surprised at how soft it felt.
My honest verdict
Is it expensive? Yes. But for me, skincare is worth investing in, and if this mist keeps my skin feeling this good, I’d rather cut back on other products than skip this. The bottle is a good size and should last a while, making the price feel a bit more justifiable.
If this mist keeps my skin feeling this good, I’d rather cut back on other products than skip this.
Where to find it
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Toning Mist launches online at ELEMIS.com today and is available in selected retailers from 28th July.
Our other favourite ELEMIS products
Clinically proven to prep, replenish and refine in one*
99% agreed this was the perfect prep for the rest of their routine.^
98% agreed skin feels replenished.^
100% agreed skin feels replenished.^
*Independent Clinical Trials 2024.
^Independent User Trials 2024, based on 120 people.
